Hammers announce permanent signing of Ilunga

West Ham have completed the permanent signing of Toulouse defender Herita Ilunga until 2013, the club have announced.

The 27-year-old joined the Hammers on a season-long loan last summer but he will now make the move permanent for an undisclosed fee.

The Democratic Republic of Congo player has been an ever-present for the Upton Park club in the league this season and has scored two goals in the FA Cup against Barnsley and Middlesbrough.

Ilunga told the club’s official website, www.whufc.com: “It is a great joy for me to have signed permanently for a club that believed in me and gave me the opportunity to play in the Premier League.

“My goal is to keep developing as a player here, working for the manager and his staff.

“I am very happy to be here and there is a great atmosphere with my team-mates.”